Microwave-assisted rapid conversion of carbohydrates into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural by ScCl3 in ionic liquids

In this study, synthesis of HMF from carbohydrates was carried out in ionic liquids 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) catalyzed by ScCl3 under microwave irradiation. Under the optimal reaction conditions, HMF was obtained in a high yield of 73.4% in 2 mins with the microwave power at 400 W. Compared with the conventional oil-bath heating manner, the use of microwave irradiation not only reduced reaction times from hours to minutes, but also improved HMF yield. This catalytic system could be reused several times without losing its catalytic activity. This efficient catalytic system will generate a promising application strategy for biomass transformation. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.